A commitment to safer tattooing
A Commitment to Safe Tattoo Practices: My Journey as a Tattoo Artist and Advocate
As a tattoo artist with over two decades of experience, I've had the privilege of not only creating meaningful art for my clients but also advocating for the safety and advancement of the tattoo industry. My journey has taken me from the tattoo chair to boardrooms where I collaborate with regulatory bodies, ensuring that the products and practices we use meet the highest standards of safety and compliance.
The Intersection of Artistry and Science
Tattooing is more than just an art form; it's a science. Every ink, needle, and product I use in my studio has been carefully selected and scrutinized to meet both federal and European standards. My background in materials science allows me to understand the complexities of tattoo products at a granular level, ensuring that what I use on my clients' skin is safe, reliable, and compliant with the latest regulations.
Through my work with organizations like the Alliance of Professional Tattooists and the Body Art Alliance, I have led initiatives to improve the standards of tattooing practices. This includes developing REACH-compliant tattoo inks, conducting in-vivo trial studies, and collaborating with chemists and regulatory professionals to document testing in line with ISO standards. My role as a regulatory consultant and compliance expert has allowed me to contribute to the safety and quality of tattoo products on a global scale.
Advocacy for Safe Tattoo Products
One of my key roles in the industry has been advocating for the development and use of safe tattoo products. As the Compliance and Education Manager at the Body Art Alliance, I oversaw the compliance and product registration for a large multi-brand organization. I worked closely with international regulatory bodies, including the UK, European Commission, and Australia, to ensure that tattoo products met stringent safety standards.
My advocacy doesn't stop at product development; it extends to education. I have developed compliant education programs at both the federal and state levels, ensuring that tattoo artists are well-informed about the products they use and the regulations they must follow. By educating artists, I help create a safer environment for everyone who loves tattoos.
Leading Through Policy and Standards
During my time as Chair of the AFDO Body Art Committee, I played a pivotal role in policy writing and standard development, especially during the challenging times of the COVID-19 pandemic. Collaborating with health department inspectors and the FDA, I helped shape the policies that protect both artists and clients in the tattoo industry.
My work in this area is driven by a deep commitment to safety and preparedness. Whether it's developing emergency preparedness plans or creating action steps to align with federal and international laws, my goal is to ensure that the tattoo industry operates with the highest level of integrity and safety.
A Lifelong Commitment to Education and Safety
As a tattoo artist, regulatory consultant, and compliance expert, I am dedicated to advancing safe tattoo practices and advocating for the use of safe, compliant products. My work is guided by a belief that tattooing is not only an art form but also a science that requires rigorous attention to detail and a commitment to continuous improvement.
I am proud to be part of an industry that is constantly evolving, and I am committed to playing a role in shaping its future. Whether I'm working on a new tattoo design, developing educational content, or collaborating with regulatory bodies, my focus is always on ensuring that the tattooing experience is safe, enjoyable, and of the highest quality.
Thank you for trusting me with your tattoo journey. Together, we can create art that not only looks incredible but also meets the highest standards of safety and quality.
Selina Medina
Tattoo Artist | Regulatory Consultant | Compliance Expert
Contact: compliancegossip@gmail.com | selinatattoos@gmail.com
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